Press Releases

February13,2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today released the following statement after Gov. Gregoire signed a measure legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington State into law:

“I am pleased to see the progress Washington State has made in recognizing marriages for same-sex couples. No couple should be denied the opportunity to enter into marriage and build a life together based on love, commitment, and mutual support. This is why I am a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would allow the Federal government to recognize marriages that are currently legal in individual states.

“The passage of landmark legislation that allows all couples the ability to join in marriage moves us closer to becoming a more equal and fair society. But while we have made tremendous strides, more work must be done to achieve a society that provides all people with equal opportunity and basic human dignity.

“I am committed to protecting the rights of all men and women to love and honor their spouses and I look forward to working with my colleagues to see that marriage for all couples becomes a national reality.”

February8,2012

Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and Adam Smith, WA-09, today announced $2 million in funding for two Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funds will go to the Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project in Marysville and the Seahurst Beach Restoration Project in Burien.

“I am pleased the Army Corps has recognized the importance of moving ahead on the Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project,” Larsen said. “I spoke to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy last week and I stressed the significance of the work and expressed the community’s support for continuing the work.”

“Seahurst Park serves as a key location for research, education and recreation in Puget Sound and I’m happy the Army Corps has prioritized its restoration with funding support,” Smith said. “This project will help protect endangered wildlife and will ensure our shoreline remains intact.”

The Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project is part of a 350-acre project just south of Marysville, between the city’s wastewater treatment plant and the residential neighborhoods on the hill on Sunnyside Boulevard. The project will restore the tidal marsh that existed prior to farming. The project includes levee breaching, levee setbacks, channel restoration and planting of native flora. The project is critical for regional salmon recovery as it restores juvenile salmon habitat, and increases tidal habitats for waterfowl and shorebirds.

The Seahurst Phase II Ecosystem Restoration Project is the second phase of a partnership effort between the City of Burien and the Army Corps to remove and reduce the impact of bulkheads to the nearshore and restore shoreline in Puget Sound. Completion would result in the largest nearshore restoration in the area and will renovate beach habitat to protect endangered wildlife. Each year, Seahurst serves as an outdoor classroom to researchers and more than 10,000 students who receive environmental education about the beach and shoreline restoration efforts. The project is endorsed by the Puget Sound Partnership and has significant support from the scientific and academic community within Washington State.

The funding for the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration Program is included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ work plan for fiscal year 2012, which was provided to Congress this week.

February1,2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in commemoration of Black History Month:

“As we celebrate Black History Month this February, let us honor the significant contributions and achievements African-Americans have made to our nation. The legacy of African-American trailblazers serves as an example of the leadership and commitment necessary to overcome insurmountable obstacles.

“As our country continues to face difficult economic times, we must also acknowledge that people of color are still disproportionately affected by unemployment and by discriminatory practices that must be addressed.

“There is still more work to do to realize a society that grants everyone a fair chance to succeed. No matter their race, creed, or background, we must ensure all people have an equal opportunity in our country to reach their highest potential, and to achieve their dreams.”

February1,2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today made the following statement regarding Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to halt grants to Planned Parenthood:

“I am greatly disappointed with Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to sever its ties with Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Susan G. Komen, known for promoting and advocating for women’s health, has allowed politics to stand in its way of delivering on its mission and its promise to thousands of women. The true victims of this new policy will be low-income and uninsured women who are in need of affordable and regular mammograms and other preventative screenings.

“I hope the Komen Foundation seriously reconsiders this policy and figures out a way to continue meeting the needs of the women it means to serve without succumbing to political pressures.”